Enjoy the overwhelming presence of Sakurajima, the representative of Kagoshima! Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture 5 Sakurajima Area

Recommended Touring Spots in 7 Prefectures in Kyushu

Hello, I am Tetsuma Photographer, a photographer who loves traveling in Kyushu! Using the know-how I gained from my coverage activities for touring magazines that I started in 2017, I will introduce selected recommended touring spots in the Kyushu area from the viewpoint of Tetsuma Photographer. In this 32nd installment, we will introduce you to Sakurajima, an active volcanic island in Kinko Bay, and recommended spots in Kagoshima City.

1. Shiroyama Park," the place where Takamori Saigo died

Located in the center of the city, Shiroyama is a small 107-meter-high mountain, famous for its beautiful night views of Sakurajima, Kinko Bay, and the Kagoshima city area from its observation deck. Since Shiroyama was the site of the last fierce battle of the Seinan War, there are many historic sites related to the war, such as Saigo Cave and the site of Saigo's demise.

It is a spectacular spot with a panoramic view of Sakurajima, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Kagoshima city, and is also popular for its beautiful night view.

It is said that it was in this cave that he spent his last five days with Kirino Toshiaki and other executives of the private school before falling to the bullets.

In September of 1877, government forces surrounded Shiroyama and began bombarding it at once. Saigo Takamori was shot in the hip and thigh and was interceded by Shinsuke Beppu, who is said to have been the last person to die.

2. Senganen Garden, a luxurious garden with Sakurajima all to itself

Senganen Garden is a villa of the Shimazu family built in 1658 by Mitsuhisa, the 19th generation of the Shimazu family. It is a large scale garden with the magnificent Sakurajima as a hill and Kinko Bay as a pond, and was loved by Nariakira, the 28th generation of the Shimazu family.

Built in 1658 by Shimazu Mitsuhisa as a villa of the Shimazu family, the palace served as the main residence of Shimazu Tadayoshi, the last lord of the domain, as well as a guest house for both domestic and foreign dignitaries.

The vast garden, covering approximately 15,000 tsubo (about 1,200 square meters), is filled with seasonal flowers and attractions that only a family of feudal lords could offer. The "crane lanterns" used for experiments with gas lamps are among the many attractions.

3. Akaisui Observation Plaza, the site of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi's all-night concert

Akamizu Observation Plaza was built in August 2004 on the former site of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi's all-night concert. It is a very scenic park with a view of Kagoshima city center across Kinko Bay.

A monument, "Portrait of the Scream," was also created using Sakurajima lava, and many fans visit the area to see this powerful monument.

4. Kurokami Buried Torii Gate" carves the memory of the Taisho era into the ground

On January 12, 1914, Sakurajima's massive explosion covered the Kurokami area with volcanic ash and pumice stone. The torii gate of the Kurokami Shrine, which was 3 meters high, was buried, leaving only the shade tree.

The torii gate is now less than a man's height, but the then mayor of Higashi Sakurajima Village decided not to dig it up and leave it as it was in order to pass on the threat of the eruption to future generations.

The buried torii of the Kurokami Shrine and the gatepost of the Nagano's house were designated as natural monuments of the prefecture on April 28, 1958. Next to them stands an old acow tree that miraculously survived, standing quietly.

5. An unparalleled location with a panoramic view of Sakurajima! Yudaira Observation Deck

Located at the 4th stage of Mt. Kitadake (373 m above sea level), this is the highest observatory on Sakurajima and the highest point accessible to the general public. Looking up at the rugged surface of Mt. Minamidake from here, the view of the volcanic fumes rising from the mountain is truly breathtaking! The view of the calm Kinko Bay and Kagoshima city below, the Kirishima mountain range in the distance to the north, and the splendid Mount Kaimondake to the south, makes this the most scenic spot on the island.

The mountain surface of Sakurajima seen from the observatory is so rugged that it is even frightening. We recommend evacuating as soon as possible in the event of an eruption....

Inside the building there are restrooms and a souvenir shop, where visitors can take a relaxing break while enjoying the magnificent view of Sakurajima. Pay attention to the eruption warning level, and in case of emergency, immediately descend the mountain to a safe place!

Enjoy the overwhelming presence of "Sakurajima" representing Kagoshima! Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Sakurajima Area 5 To Gallery (10)